Question
Five months ago I received a very beautiful schefflera,[three plants, three feet
tall]. The pot it was in looked rather small,[12"] so I repotted it and put it in a
corner next to a window where it gets indirect light, Since then there has been no
new growth and many [50%] of the leaves have fallen off. The leaves turn dark
brown, usually starting at the tip and moving up the leaf until it falls. I have tried
different watering patterns, once a week at first and now, once every three or
four weeks, no change. Thinking it might be the potting soil I used, I repotted it
again yesterday with the best potting soil I could find. While doing this I noticed
that the roots had not grown out of the original root ball. I found this odd, given
the amount of time it had been in the pot. None of the local nurseries, here in
southwest TN. have been any help. I hope you can help me, I received this plant
at my Fathers funeral, and it means alot to me.
Thanks,
Danny.
P.S. Today I noticed a light-brown spot with a yellow halo. What now.  

Answer
Hi Danny, The Schefflera needs lots of light to grow, but it must not be kept in direct sunlight. During the summer, it is especially important that no direct sun reaches the plant, even through the windows. Windows can make the sun even more dangerous. If kept in direct sun, the leaves of this plant will get burned.

It is important that you do not over water this plant or it will develop root rot. Only water it when the soil is dry. You can water this plant from the top or the bottom. If you water from the bottom, put the pot in water for about ten minutes and the plant will take up the water that it needs. If you water from the top, water it until the water drains through the bottom. If the leaves are turning black, this means that the soil is staying too wet. If the leaves are wrinkling up, then the plant is too dry.

Because this is a tropical plant, it needs to have moisture in the air. You can mist the leaves regularly to provide water but often this is not enough. This plant is used to a very humid environment and you will need to supply this water. The best way to create the humidity for your plant is to get a tray and put some pebbles and water in it. Then set your plant on the pebbles. Make sure that the level of the water is below the level of the pebbles and that your plant is not sitting in water. The water will evaporate and the leaves will get the moisture they need.

Make sure you use a good quality soil that contains plenty of nutrients. You should also use fertilizer according to the instructions on the package. If you want to make sure your leaves do not turn yellow, you can add some liquid iron two to three times a year.

The Schefflera is very prone to getting mites. You need to clean the leaves regularly to prevent this. They especially like to live on the underside of the leaves, so be sure you check there. Cleaning the leaves will also prevent dust build up and allow the sun to adequately reach the leaves. To clean it, use a warm, damp washcloth.

This plant is not that hard to keep. The main things to remember are: don't keep the plant wet, place the plant in a bright area and watch out for mites. Also, don't be scared to prune the Schefflera. It will do fine after pruning.  kathy